Hi Dushi’s, bon bini to this new blog! Today it’s time for some food recommendations on the gorgeous island of (blue) Curaçao. Yes, not only does the Caribbean island serves quite some vitamin D and Sea, it also pleases those with a big appetite for seafood dishes.
Great restaurants plus all types of cuisines are all around the island. The big name hotels surely offer some high value meals. Nevertheless, you might consider as well to spend your Netherlands Antillean guilders on the local economy. For the best authentic places I created this list below with some of my personal recommendation, with local and (family) friendly restaurants. The focus on (almost all) of these is restaurants is fish! And at these places the dishes are so fresh that it sometimes feels as if the fish jumped straight from the sea into these kitchens.
So if you value experiences, these spots are the places to be!
Also, check out my other articles about the island. This one for example, about the best beaches of Curacao! Or perhaps you just want to see some Caribbean shots, to get in the tropical mood for your upcoming trip!
Kas di Piskado Purunchi
Never judge a book by its cover – this rustic shack doesn’t look like much from the outside (more like a fisherman’s hut, which isn’t far from the truth either), but inside quite a nice experience is waiting for you!
I was unawarely cycling around the coast north of Willemstad (to the next restaurant on the list) when I just had to stop here because it was smelling ridiculously nice. Upon entering the Kas di Peskado it felt like I was welcomed by the entire family. As I was a Saturday I therefore had the feeling, funny enough, as if I was in fact visiting family.
I was orchestrated to a seat next to the water and one of the owners told me was on the menu for the day. As you see local fishermen bring in their catch you kind understand there’s no need for printed menus in here! Next to my table someone was cleaning the fish the guests are about to eat. Snappers, dorados, wahoos, lion fishes.. all of them come with polenta, rice, french fries and a salad. And a drink of course – all of that for 25$.
Best is to not show up as unexpectedly as I did, but call in advance for a reservation as this place can get packed (especially during the weekend)!
De Visserij
Some ten minutes by bicycle (or car) up north you’ll find the next destination: De Visserij. Again, this is a place that truly lives up to its name (literal meaning: the fisheries).
The restaurant is located directly on the sea and again the fishermen come to deliver the fish in here straight from the sea. Even though it’s on the water, De Visserij isn’t necessarily one for a romantic diner, although it might still be around sunset. However, this is the place that you will immensely enjoy when your with a group, or even by yourself, if you’re looking for a fast and fresh bite into Curacao after a long day of doing nothing on the beach :).
De Visserij has an easy going and self service concept. You order your food a la carte by weight and pay, receive a number and wait with your drink in the open seating until your the staff has cooked your dish up for you. Often of the menu you find tuna and barracuda, but also prawn and lion fish.
Views on the bay ↑ and from the restaurant ↓
Perhaps the idea of self serving isn’t appealing to you, but the atmosphere really is relaxed in here and the dishes are tasty and super fresh. And its this simplicity, all on the waterfront, that really works!
Brisa do Mar – Pop’s Place
Next stop is all the way on the other side of the island, but the location is a pretty neat one. And a famous one too among the locals I noticed. Whereas most tourist end up at the resort like beach of Jan Thiel, the beach of Caracasbaai is were the people from the island go to. Especially during the weekend you’ll find lots of people along these shores. No worries though, the atmosphere remains tranquil and authentic.
The restaurant of Brisa do Mar (or Pop’s Place) at the end of the bay reflects this cozy vibe. Upon arrival visitors are welcomed warmly and with friendly smiles. Top that off with great local cuisine (with a focus on fish dishes), reasonable prices, a top location, lively music and you’ll understand why this place is a must on the list.
Come in here for a Sunday’s lunch if you like to experience the real island vibe, or any day of the week during sunset – as this place has a beautiful sundowner view over the bay.
Ronde Markt
Close to the famous Handelskade in downtown Willemstad you’ll find the big marketplace of the city. Again this isn’t a fancy, white table clothing kind of place (in fact, far from it!), but if you want to experience the real capital of the island, this is the place to be.
The market itself is already a lot of fun to visit. Being a mix of local stands (with peculiar remedies and products) and souvenir shops, you might even bring something along, apart from the food. The people are friendly in here too and far from pushy. Although on the ground floor you can already find some food stands, the real deal is to be found on the first floor. Lots of vibrant colours and a couple of different food stands await you, plus full plates with local fish! If I’d live in Willemstad, I’d probably visit this place several times per week. The food and experience is true value for money.
Most of the dishes are served too with tutu, a very popular side dish on the island. If you’re brave enough you could even try something else, such as goat heads or liver stew.
Jaanchies
Last one on this list makes for an extra special experience. All the way in the north, where tourists are fewer around compared to the rest of the island, you’ll find Jaanchies. This place has been here for years and everybody on the island knows this restaurant, including the family who owns it, if only because they also serve iguana in here.
Upon arrival it feels as if you’re visiting your grandparents in the tropics. Mr. Jaanchie himself will probably meet you at the doorstep of his eclectic house and guide you all the way to your table. With a bit of luck you can still sit on the large porch where a cool breeze and a lot of birds await you. Don’t expect a menu here, Jaanchie will explain what’s in the kitchen himself.
As you wait for your meal (expect typical Caribbean dishes) you’ll be entertained with the many finches that fly from one feeder to another. The food may not be as exciting as the previous restaurants (although in case you’re eager to try iguana… it might), but it’s the relaxed atmosphere that makes this place worth a visit. If only for the delicious coconut ice cream!
That’s it – enjoy your time in the Carib! Here’s where to find there restaurants ↓
